(CNN) - The man appointed by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fill President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat said Wednesday his appointment to the position is legal, despite the charges against the governor.

Former Illinois Attorney Gen. Roland Burris said Blagojevich is innocent until proven guilty, even though his behavior "is reprehensible."

"I don't look upon the governor's problems as my problems. I look at the governor's problems as his problems," Burris said.

Blagojevich faces allegations of influence peddling, among other charges.

The governor, a Democrat, on Tuesday named Burris to serve the last two years of Obama's Senate term.

Obama said Tuesday it is disappointing that Blagojevich ignored warnings from Senate Democrats about appointing a successor to his Senate seat.

Senate Democratic leaders have said they will block the appointment and are urging the governor to step down after his arrest on corruption charges - a move Obama endorsed.

"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat," Obama said in a statement.

"I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Gov. Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it."

soundoff(286 Responses)

Burris evidently needed his 15 minutes of fame, because that is all he is likely to get out of this questionable appointment by a corrupt politician.

December 31, 2008 02:43 pm at 2:43 pm |

MIKE J

Blago is innocent until proven guilty...Also his choice was excellent and he should be vindicated...Burris should be allowed to serve!

December 31, 2008 02:46 pm at 2:46 pm |

Mary - PA

No one should accept an appointment from Blagojavich and Burris is wrong for accepting it and playing into these games Blagojavich continues to play.

December 31, 2008 02:49 pm at 2:49 pm |

Charles from Atlanta

We don't know what the deal between him and Blagojevich. If you deal with a thief, then you become part of that gang. Mr. Burris, you're wrong. Charge against Blagojevich put you in the same spot of the whole curruption. If Blagojevich is convicted, then you become next target for investigation because you may be the highest bidder of this Senate seat.

December 31, 2008 03:06 pm at 3:06 pm |

Tim

Rush and Burris have taken Obama's "I don't look like others on the dollar bill" comment up to new heights

December 31, 2008 03:23 pm at 3:23 pm |

Sam, Muncie, Ind.

Roland Burris is the most blatant example I've ever seen of someone putting his own political ambition and ego above all else. Two weeks ago, he blasted Blago. Then he sucks up to him to accept the nomination no one in his party wants him to accept. Then he turns on his appointer the very next day.

It's a shame this man, who everyone says is a good man, is besmirching his own legacy in such a silly and childlike fashion.

December 31, 2008 03:33 pm at 3:33 pm |

Mike O'Brien

I agree with Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris comments. However, I think the great people of Illinois should decide who will be the next Senator from Illinois to the United States Senate.., 'not' Governor Rod Blagojevich. Governor Rod Blagojevich and his wife is a 'disgrace' to the great state of Illinois. Maybe, a 'special' election would be appropriate in this situation. Let the great people of Illinois.., decide ! Mike O'Brien in Montana

December 31, 2008 03:36 pm at 3:36 pm |

Juan Grain

I guess Burris really wants the tittle. You know he thinks that he is the Magic Negro. Well he ain't and he ain't ever gonna be. What a jerk to accept and play nice, nice. He has full intention of sticking it to Obama.

December 31, 2008 03:58 pm at 3:58 pm |

Larry in Houston

I think Blago has the best attorney since O.J.'s attorneys...

I predict he will get out of it........innocent....probably will be impeached, if anything at all............probably not that......next year, it will be forgotten.

Larry
Houston TX

December 31, 2008 03:59 pm at 3:59 pm |

rICK

you are the special Obama pick, so why should we trust you or the governor or even Obama

December 31, 2008 04:01 pm at 4:01 pm |

TW, oregon

So the democratic senators showed how stupid they are. They are going to block any appointment regardless of the quality of the appointee. They are stupid, stupid, stupid. If Blagojevich appoints a good, high quality candidate, the stupid sentors should seat him immediately.